Ready, Steady, Potty: Advice for families

Potty training is a gradual process and every child is different. There are lots of exciting skills to help your child to learn, from babyhood onwards.

Before your baby is born

Once your baby is born, you will spend a lot of time each day caring for them by changing their nappy. Now is the time for you to think about:

  • the sort of nappies you will buy and use
  • preparing a safe and welcoming nappy changing area

Your newborn baby

Nappy changing takes place very often and is an opportunity for interacting with your baby in a fun way.

Find more information about Changing baby’s nappies: How to make nappy changes fun on the BBC Tiny Happy People website.

You will quickly start to learn what your baby's different cues mean and when it might mean that they are uncomfortable in their nappy. Changing their nappy as soon as they have done a wee or a poo will help to prevent nappy rash.

For more information about what to expect to see in your newborn baby’s nappy, visit the NCT website.

Baby’s first year

Your baby is learning about his or her body all the time. Encouraging some nappy-free times can help your baby to learn and gives them a sense of freedom.

It is good to introduce the potty to your baby in a fun way as early as possible. For example, you can help your baby start to explore the potty and sit on it, with help, when they are ready to.

As weaning starts and solid foods are introduced, your baby’s bowel habits will change and lumps will start to appear in their poo. Providing food that is varied and nutritious, as well as plenty of water alongside their milk will help to keep them healthy. It will also help with digestion and toileting later.

One year onwards – starting to use the potty

It is never too early to help your baby or toddler to become curious about potty training. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

  • share books that make potty training fun
  • play with dolls or teddies pretending to use a potty
  • talk about going to the toilet yourself in a very natural way - always remember to use positive language around body parts and functions
  • remember that all children learn at their own pace but starting to talk about potty training now will help them as they get older
  • using a cloth nappy (or nappy cloth) can help them to become aware of bodily signals
  • once standing up, they can be encouraged to help with cleaning themselves and flushing poo down the toilet
  • encourage some nappy free time, usually 30 minutes or so after they have done a wee or a poo
  • when using the potty more regularly, it is helpful to wear clothes that are easy to pull up and down
  • remember that children need lots of opportunities to learn and to gradually build their confidence

For more advice and resources:

Potty training: how to start & best age to potty train on the ERIC website

Potty training advice on the BBC Tiny Happy People website

 

Going to an early years setting or childminder

A consistent approach to toileting is really important.

Whatever age your baby or child is when they start at an early years setting, this is an opportunity for you to work together to support your child’s growing awareness and independence.

Getting ready

Depending on their age, give your child lots of practice in developing their confidence in toileting related tasks such as:

  • using bags with velcro, zips, buttons to open/close
  • helping to dress/undress
  • washing their hands
  • opening and closing a (safe) door

Remember to give plenty of time for learning these skills, role model them frequently and give your child lots of positive praise.

Ask the early years setting about their approach to toileting (they may have this written down in a policy). You could also ask to see the nappy changing and toileting area to find out the type of equipment that they provide and see if it will meet your child's needs.

Settling in

Discuss your child's current toileting needs with your early years setting or childminder:

  • their stage of awareness and independence in potty training, for example do they show any interest in going to the potty or toilet
  • are they able to indicate when they need to go or when they are wet
  • what words/language is your child familiar with regarding toileting

Keep communicating

After your child has started at nursery, keep an open communication, especially with your child's own key person, so that you have a joint approach.

If your child has any 'accidents' these should be dealt with in a friendly and matter of fact manner so as not to make you, or your child, feel uncomfortable.

Starting Reception Class

Reception class will bring some new expectations and routines, even if your child has been attending the Nursery class in the same school.

Not all children will be fully independent and it is important for you and them not to feel stressed about this.

Here are some ways in which you can support getting ready for Reception by giving them lots of practice in developing their confidence in toileting related tasks:

  • make sure your child is drinking plenty of water (6 to 8 large drinks, 200 to 250 ml)
  • help them to get into a good habit of using the toilet 20 to 30 minutes after breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • choose a water bottle for school (unless the school provide these) and help them to get used to drinking from it
  • help your child learn to wash and dry their hands without help
  • if the school have hand dryers or paper towels, get them used to these in public places
  • help them to become confident at going to the toilet on their own and wiping themselves using toilet paper rather than wipes
  • practice dressing and undressing themselves, some children will be able to dress and undress independently by 5 years
  • have clothes with elastic waists rather than zips and buttons, velcro fastenings on shoes
  • teach them to put labels to the back and how to fold their clothes
  • think about the daily routines for your child and make sure that your child knows where the toilets are in the school, after school club and so on, and how to ask when they need to go. If your child has any anxieties about this, speak with staff about this
  • ask if the school has a toilet policy or toilet charter

Online resources and guidance

ERIC provide an excellent toilet training campaign called ‘All Aboard the Toilet Train’ for families with children who are starting school in September. You can sign up for weekly emails and find lots of useful advice.

If you are worried that potty training isn’t going to plan, find further advice about Potty training problems on the ERIC website.